Why Blackboard Equipment is Making a Comeback in Modern Classrooms
If you want to know why blackboard equipment is making a comeback in modern classrooms, you are in the right place. Here, we will look at why blackboards are an excellent choice for classrooms and offices, and where the more widespread whiteboard falls short. At The Ruler Company Ltd, we are determined to supply you with all the blackboard equipment and eco-friendly office products you could need – but for the time being, let’s focus on why blackboards are once again rising in popularity. A blackboard is a large board with a smooth surface that is usually black, but can also be dark green. Most boards are secured to the wall and written on with chalk, but they can also be held on easels for moveability. These used to be more popular than they are now, but it looks like they are making a comeback at last. However, one issue that many people have with blackboards is how dirty they can get, so let’s address this problem before we move onto the crux of this blog. To properly clean a blackboard, just follow these steps: Get the initial wiping and erasing done – do this with a clean board eraser and start from the top left corner and wipe top to bottom until you get to the top right corner (this method means that the chalk dust won’t stick to the surface) Wipe down with a microfiber cloth – following the same technique as above, use a clean microfiber cloth to remove any leftover dust and residue from the board (OPTIONAL) Get your cleaning solution ready – you could just use some water, but adding a few drops of dish soap to warm water works a charm for the next step Use a damp cloth to wipe the board down – use a clean microfiber cloth, dip it, and wring out as much water as possible, then wipe the blackboard down. Feel free to apply the necessary pressure to the stubborn spots to get it perfectly clean! When the board is clean, rinse the cloth out Allow the board to properly dry – now, all you have to do is wait for the board to dry completely. NEVER write on a damp blackboard. If you use as little water as possible, it should only take between 2–4 hours to completely dry, so you can clean a blackboard every evening if necessary, and it will be ready for the next morning. If you want to know why blackboard equipment is making a comeback in modern classrooms, we will discuss everything you need to know. There are several benefits of chalkboards over whiteboards, and some of them might surprise you, so how about the jump right in? When you use a blackboard and chalk, it goes without saying that there is less waste involved. There is no plastic to dispose of, just the dust that is left from the chalk. This is important to consider, and a great way to reduce waste overall. We might be biased – but blackboards are a classic, right? Most of us will have grown up surrounded by them, and nothing will ever feel the same. To us, a school will never feel the same without a classic blackboard there for lessons or art. This can go for the blackboard itself and the cost of the materials you need to utilise it. Sure, there are different costs for both blackboards and whiteboards, and it largely comes down to quality, but over time, you will save money when you use a blackboard. Chalk is cheaper than whiteboard markers, and there is so little maintenance required for blackboards – what’s not to love? Have you ever seen chalk dry out? No? Neither have we! When this is a constant problem in the world of whiteboard markers, you never have to worry about your chalk drying out and becoming useless to you that way. It’s also worth pointing out that even if you wet a stick of chalk, you can save it by allowing it to dry out. So, you can keep using that stick until it reaches the very end of its life. Although the primary purpose for blackboards isn’t usually art, it’s a nice bonus. These boards are great for capturing depth and can allow artistic vision to come to life, and this simply isn’t possible with whiteboards and whiteboard markers. As popular as whiteboards are, there are some key areas where they just don’t come out on top. From plastic use to the problems that we’ve all experienced at least once in our lives, this piece of office and classroom equipment can be more trouble than it’s worth. Whiteboard markers are usually made with plastic, and we all know that plastic is harmful to the environment. Given that these markers can act up, dry out, or otherwise stop working, too, and you can imagine how much plastic ends up in landfills around the world. It is important to note that some whiteboard markers are made using recycled plastic, and we’ll give credit where credit is due. So, if you truly love whiteboards, we encourage you to always look for the recycled options, because we all want to do our part to help the planet. We’ve all been there – there’s a fresh pack of whiteboard markers for you to use, and you’re loving them – then they’re all dried out. Why does this happen? How does it happen so quickly? What is the fix? In most cases, you will just end up throwing the marker away and getting a new one, and this doesn't seem like a big deal. However, when this happens over and over, it can be incredibly frustrating – so, what’s the solution? Could it be chalk and a blackboard? If you want to save money and opt for a cheap whiteboard, there’s a very good chance that it will collect ink stains over time – or, maybe, even after just one use. Either way, ink stains are difficult to deal with, and they might not come out at all. So, what are you left with? An imperfect and stained whiteboard. No one likes that. At The Ruler Company Ltd, we have a wide range of office and classroom equipment that you will love. From rulers and measuring tapes to all kinds of drawing equipment and a variety of recycled and eco products, there will be something for everyone. If you would like to learn more, feel free to check out our blogs on the different types of blackboard equipment, how our rulers help the environment, the benefits of treewise pencils, or how to choose the right ruler. We also talk about fibreglass measure tapes, and even how to choose the right measuring tape for the job – because there are so many options out there! Blackboards are great, and they have a lot to offer, but they won’t be perfect for everyone. There are lots of benefits, and they are a lot of fun, but it’s important to remember that proper ventilation is needed for these products due to the dust. That aside, blackboards are a classic throwback that many of us will have grown up with, and it would be a shame for the younger generation not to experience that – don’t you think? Now that you know why blackboard equipment is making a comeback in modern classrooms, how do you feel about going back to this classic? Even if you aren’t in a classroom, blackboards are a great feature for office and work spaces, so you don’t need to limit yourself. For more information, or just to get in touch, please contact us – we would love to hear from you. What is a Blackboard, and How is it Used?
Why Blackboard Equipment is Making a Comeback in Modern Classrooms
Blackboards Result in Less Waste
They Are a Classic
Blackboards Are Cheaper Than Whiteboards
Chalk Doesn’t Dry Out Any Time Soon
BONUS: Blackboards Are Great for Art
Why Whiteboards Don’t Come Out on Top
More Plastic is Used in Production
Whiteboard Markers Are Notorious for Drying Out
Cheap Whiteboards Collect Ink Stains
We Can Help With All Your Office Needs
Final Thoughts
